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New bill protects NY pets from domestic violence

On June 23, Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal‘s Pet Protect Bill (A.10767-A) was passed in the New York State Assembly and Senate. The legislation allows family courts to include companion animals under court sanctioned order of protection and prohibits the intentional killing of pets “owned” by victims of domestic violence.

This bill means good things for both humans and animals, as there is a strong connection between animal cruelty and family violence. Abusers often use their potential to harm pets as a tool to control their human victims. Also far too many abusers get their start with animal victims and continue from there when they find there are few, if any, social or legal repercussions.